Man hit in head by beer can, has car taken, police say

Published: Sunday, October 6, 2013 at 9:07 p.m.

Last Modified: Sunday, October 6, 2013 at 9:07 p.m.

A Gainesville man was arrested Saturday night after police said he threw a can of beer at another man’s head and then drove off in the man’s car.

Benjamin Franklin Cunningham, 24, argued with the victim on the side of the road near 800 SE 19 Terrace around 10:45 p.m. Saturday. The victim’s car was parked on the side of the road, still running, while the two men argued, according to the Gainesville Police report.

Cunningham, of 1016 SE 19th Terrace, struck the victim in the back of the head with a beer can. The man fell to the ground and did not respond for several minutes, according to the report.

Cunningham jumped in the man’s car and drove south around the block and then north again. Police said he reached a high speed when driving north on Southeast 19th Terrace.

Police observed an abrasion on the back of the victim’s head, consistent with the alleged assault.

Police apprehended Cunningham in the stolen vehicle at about 1 a.m. He was taken into custody without further incident.

Cunningham was charged with aggravated battery, grand theft auto and violation of probation. He was being held without bond on Sunday at the Alachua County jail.

<p>A Gainesville man was arrested Saturday night after police said he threw a can of beer at another man's head and then drove off in the man's car.</p><p>Benjamin Franklin Cunningham, 24, argued with the victim on the side of the road near 800 SE 19 Terrace around 10:45 p.m. Saturday. The victim's car was parked on the side of the road, still running, while the two men argued, according to the Gainesville Police report.</p><p>Cunningham, of 1016 SE 19th Terrace, struck the victim in the back of the head with a beer can. The man fell to the ground and did not respond for several minutes, according to the report.</p><p>Cunningham jumped in the man's car and drove south around the block and then north again. Police said he reached a high speed when driving north on Southeast 19th Terrace.</p><p>Police observed an abrasion on the back of the victim's head, consistent with the alleged assault.</p><p>Police apprehended Cunningham in the stolen vehicle at about 1 a.m. He was taken into custody without further incident.</p><p>Cunningham was charged with aggravated battery, grand theft auto and violation of probation. He was being held without bond on Sunday at the Alachua County jail.</p>